During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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